2000 and Whatever – Azerbaijan

We may not get to see our 2020 favourites take to the stage, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce on our Eurovision favourites. This series is aimed to discover the team’s favourite entries from the 21st century, from 2001 to 2019.

In collaboration with ESCDaily, we will be reviewing some of their 21st Century favourites, while over on their site, you will find their reviews of our favourites!

Below our reviews, you will find a poll where you can vote for your favourite Eurovision entry from the 21st Century.

Azerbaijan

Anita Reviews Dennis’ 21st Century Favourite

Elnur – Hour of the wolf | 12th place, 49 points (Final)

This might be a controversial opinion among Eurovision fans, but I have to say that Azerbaijan isn’t one of my favourite nations at the contest, despite their strong run of entries. Looking for an entry to choose as my favourite was difficult enough, however what I can confidently say is that Hour of the Wolf was certainly not in contention.

I just never got the hype for this, and find it to be far from memorable. In terms of ballads, I find this rather bland, however will recognise that Elnur does have some killer vocals. I think what would have helped to elevate this song is more traditional elements, because as it stands, it just feels a bit too generic. At a stretch, I may have been able to recite a small part of the chorus, but in terms of staging, without watching the video again, I really had no recollection of this performance. I see why others may enjoy this, but it’s not for me.

Joshua Reviews Brandon’s 21st Century Favourite

Safura – Drip Drop | 5th place, 145 points (Final)

I feel as if this song had the potential to be an upbeat number, but is stuck at mid-tempo. Regardless, it fits the brief of a typical 2000s Eurovision pop ballad, and deservedly did well in 2010. It featured drama with the back-up dancers, but Safura was importantly still the star of the show. Vocals were also strong, particularly as Safura was only seventeen at the time. A slightly bizarre choice to open the show, however.